Misery (film)

Misery is a 1990 American psychological horror thriller film directed by Rob Reiner from a screenplay by William Goldman. It is based on Stephen King's 1987 novel and stars James Caan as famed novelist Paul Sheldon, who is held captive by Annie Wilkes, an obsessive fan. The supporting cast includes Richard Farnsworth, Frances Sternhagen, and Lauren Bacall.

Film · TMDB

7.7

After an accident, acclaimed novelist Paul Sheldon is rescued by a nurse who claims to be his biggest fan. Her obsession takes a dark turn when she holds him captive in her remote Colorado home and forces him to write back to life the popular literary character he killed off.

Released: 1990-11-30107 minDir: Rob ReinerDrama, ThrillerBudget: $20.0MBox office: $61.3M

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Cast

Kathy Bates as Annie Wilkes
James Caan as Paul Sheldon
Richard Farnsworth as Buster
Lauren Bacall as Marcia Sindell
Frances Sternhagen as Virginia
Graham Jarvis as Libby

Themes

~12 min read

Article

Misery is a 1990 American psychological horror thriller film directed by Rob Reiner from a screenplay by William Goldman. It is based on Stephen King's 1987 novel and stars James Caan as famed novelist Paul Sheldon, who is held captive by Annie Wilkes (Kathy Bates), an obsessive fan. The supporting cast includes Richard Farnsworth, Frances Sternhagen, and Lauren Bacall.

Development on an adaptation of King's novel began after producer Andrew Scheinman recommended it to Reiner, who recruited Goldman to write the film's screenplay. Casting for the film was extensive: several actors were considered for the roles of Sheldon and Wilkes before Caan and Bates were hired; Bates was a stage actress, mostly unknown to film audiences. Principal photography began in February 1990, with filming locations including Genoa, Nevada and Los Angeles. The film's score was composed by Marc Shaiman.